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Kiev travel guide
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EXCURSIONS IN KIEV: Sightseeing tour across Kiev Excursion across Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra
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Let's begin out tour with Kiev Passenger Railway station. On the Railway square there are the commuter station, metro station Vokzalnaya and the building of Passenger station itself. The station building was constructed in 1932 under the project of architect Verbitsky, in 2001 the station was completely reconstructed: from the underground service lines to the roof, for which 92 tons of copper were spent. According to the builders assurances now the roof will stand for 90 years. During the repair the new terminal called Southern was constructed from the south side. Building on the left bank of Dnieper, in Darnitsa and Syrets is planned also. The highest construction in Ukraine – a TV tower, is located in Syrets; its height is 382 m. Babiy Jar, where a lot of people were shot during the fascist occupation, and St. Cyril church are located there. This church is not known within the large sections of tourists because of its remoteness from Kiev downtown and from the main tourist routes, nevertheless, it is one of the most ancient and beautiful Kiev churches. St. Cyril church was constructed in the middle of 12 century in Kiev suburb Dorogozhichy. Since then it has never been destroyed, but in 17 and 18 century it was reconstructed and got its modern appearance in the same time. St. Cyril church is also interesting with the frescos and iconostasis, performed by Michael Vrubel. The image of Mother of God on the iconostasis of the church is a bit atypical for orthodox icons and very memorable.
Along Komintern street we are going to Kiev old downtown. How old is Kiev? It is impossible to tell exactly as the foundation date is lost. There is the version that it was found by three brothers Kiy, Sheck and Horiv and their sister Lybid. But it is just a legend, the events could happen in 5 century AD as well as BC, no one knows. Having turned to Taras Shevchenko boulevard, we can see the monument to Red commander Nikolay Shchors, put up in 1954. Formerly, at this place there was the monument to count Alexander Bobrinsky, the inspirer and organizer of Kiev railway building. On the left side there is St. Vladimir cathedral, one of the most beautiful and majestic Kiev temples, constructed at the suggestion of metropolitan Philaret. Building was timed to the 900 anniversary of Russia baptism. Emperor Nikolay I approved of the project and funds raising began. By September, 1859 about 100 000 RUB was collected. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra donated 1 million bricks, made at its own brickworks. St. Vladimir cathedral was devoted to Russia Baptist St. Prince Vladimir. The outward and internal appearance of the cathedral was planned in Byzantine style like Old Russian cathedrals had been built at the time of Saint Vladimir and Yaroslav the Wise. The cathedral paintings were mainly performed by V.M.Vasnetsov. Since 1990th years, it is the main cathedral of UPC ÊP.
On the right side, there are old Botanical Gardens named after academician Fomin. Having turned to Vladimirskaya street, one can see such Kiev sights as Opera and Ballet Theatre, Theatralnaya square, Golden gate – the fortification monument of 9 century. Today the ancient gate remains are covered with the pavilion-reconstruction, constructed in 1973. Inside the pavilion there is a museum. On the same side of Vladimirskaya street there is St. Sofia cathedral, the temple which is one of the largest and most ancient in Kiev. St. Sofia or Sofiysky cathedral was constructed in the 11 century to the order of Yaroslav the Wise. For a long time it was the main Kiev temple. Large number of frescos remained till our days: 260 sq. m. of mosaics and 3 000 sq. m. of frescos. As well as many other temples, it could be destroyed during the Soviet rule, but was rescued by France. The fact is that Yaroslaw the Wise daughter had been married to the French king and this country government preferred to preserve the monument related to the history of France so closely. St. Sofia bell tower, located at the entrance to the temple territory, is of 75 m height. The monument to Bogdan Khmelnitskiy, a statesman and commander, is located in front of the cathedral on St. Sofia square.
In front of us there are Mihaylovskaya square and St. Michael’s cathedral constructed in 12 century. St. Michael’s Zlatoverhy (with roofs of gold) cathedral was named so because it was the first cathedral with golden domes in Kiev, moreover, it was the last, where laborious and expensive for making mosaic ornaments were employed. St. Michael’s cathedral was a burial place of Kiev princes. The monastery existed here for a long time. St. Michael’s Zlatoverhy cathedral in Kiev was plundered and destroyed partially many times but remained standing till 30th years of 20 century, when it was blown up during the struggle against religious vestiges. Fortunately, a part of frescos and mosaics were taken out St. Michael’s cathedral before its destruction and were stored in museums of USSR. The cathedral was rebuilt and opened again just in 1998.
And the Soviet government was planning to construct here the building similar to the Ministry of Home affairs, located to the left of St. Michael’s cathedral. 34-metre-high monument to Lenin had to be placed between them. Wide main staircase was supposed to be constructed in the direction of Dnieper and huge square - at the place of St. Sofia cathedral. Another building plan stipulated an enormous six-line highway from Central Railway station to Kiev downtown. There is the monument to outstanding Russian ruler Princess Olga at Mihaylovskaya square. The monument was built according to the project of sculptor Ivan Kavaleridze. The monument composition consists of four white marble figures: Apostle St. Andrew the First-Called, Princess Olga, enlighteners Cyril and Methodius. The monument was destroyed in 20th years of 20 century and was restored just in 1996 by Ivan Kavaleridze"s disciples. You may be surprised by the date gap, but it is not a mistake. Ivan Kavaleridze had long and eventful life and died in 1978 in the age of 91.
From St. Michael’s cathedral we can go along Desyatinnaya or Vladimirskaya street to Andreevsky spusk – the street of informal atmosphere, souvenir shops, cafes and small restaurants. Here Kiev painters sell their canvas and sounds of old gramophone are heard, here you can buy local handmade goods and have a good time. Easy artistic atmosphere is favorable for friendly communication. Andreevsky spusk is one of the oldest Kiev streets. Bulgakov museum and monument to the writer are located on Andreevsky spusk. Besides, on Andreevsky spusk there are One street museum, several galleries, drama school Koleso (a wheel) and such architectural monuments as St. Andrew’s church constructed by architect Rastrelli and Richard"s castle. Let"s turn to the right from St. Michael’s cathedral to Mihaylovskaya street. Mihaylovskaya street is one of the rays leading to Kreschatik. Once, there was a valley, crossed with ravines, downwards. In the beginning of 19 century the first houses appeared there, the street was named Kreshchataya and became the main in Kiev. Later the street was given its present name Kreschatik. Kreschatik was nearly destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. The Soviet armies had mined Kiev center before the retreat and when the fascist armies marched into the city, explosions were thundering for several days. Exactly then the first radio-controlled mines were used.
Facing hotel Ukraine, on the right one can see a fountain-dandelion, Academy of music building, several sculptural compositions. On the left there is the former Institute of Noble Maidens, now the October Palace of Culture. Moving along Kreschatik to its beginning – European square, on the left you will see National Philharmonic Society building and Ukrainian House (former Lenin museum), where various exhibitions, fairs, conferences and other events are held. On the right there are hotel Dnieper building, constructed in 1966, Kreschaty park, where Museum of Water and Marionette Theatre are situated, and stadium Dynamo nearby. The stadium is seats18 thousand people. Now it is called in honor of Valery Lobanovsky and the monument to this outstanding trainer is placed in the stadium territory. In June, 14th, 1892, the first in Russia and the second in Europe tramway had passed from European square to Podol and the tram service on this route stopped only in 1982. Having turned to the left of Philharmonic Society building, we continue Kiev tour along Vladimirsky spusk.
Then the way passes through Pochtovaya square, to Podol. Truhanov island, the oldest Kiev recreation place, remains on the right. Podol is the oldest Kiev inhabited district, judging by archeological excavations, people lived here long before Kiev foundation. The main street in Podol is named after Sagaydachny. Till the beginning of 19 century, Podol was fully built by wooden mansions and burnt very often. Last terrible fire was in 1811, it was made by the child, playing with fire. The fire was blazing for 3 days and firebrand were all that remained from Podol. Everything that we see around is Podol after the Fire, it was constructed according to the project of the person, who had never been in Kiev, Petersburg architect, Scottish by birth, William Geste. That is he, who drew the plan of classical direct streets. Nevertheless, even Podol of 19 century for is the monument for us.
Contractovaya square is the main in Podol. There is the monument to hetman Sagaydachny in public square, arch of Gostiny dvor, constructed in the beginning of 19 century, behind it and St. Ekaterina"s Greek monastery on the right. A thousand years ago Contractovaya square was called Torzhishche (marketplace), and was given its present name in the end of 18 century, when contract fairs moved here. During the Soviet rule the square was called Red. From this place it is possible to see Staroknyageskaya and Andreevskaya gorka. Andreevskaya gorka is named so because of the legend, telling us that Christ follower St. Andrew the First-Called was there in 51 AD. During one of the sermons, he predicted foundation of the great Christian city. Later wooden Churches of the Exaltation of the Cross, replacing each other trough time, were erected there. In 1753, according to the decree of Empress Catherine II, architect Rastrelli built St. Andrew’s church which is in emergency condition now as well as St. Cyril church and many other Kiev valuable monuments. National History Museum building is seen to the right from St. Andrew’s church, ruins of Princes palaces and ancient Church of the Tithes are nearby.
Standing on Contractovaya square, we can see Kiev-Mohyla academy, founded in 1615 as Kiev Brotherhood school. In 17 century the school adopted the name Kiev-Mohyla Collegium. The Collegium’s founder, pro-rector and guardian was Kiev and Halychyna metropolitan Peter Mohyla. The reforms, he had effected, turned Brotherhood school into the institution, oriented to Western educational system, the school received the status of collegium and then academy. The collegium accepted students with no estate and age restrictions. Students were not punished; educational problems, connected with financial difficulties or illnesses, considered leniently. Students were not expelled for poor progress and could stay at one grade for 2 or even 3 years. Education duration in usual academy was 12 years but, as it was the institution of higher education, it was possible to continue training. Students studied languages, theology, history, literature, musical notation, catechism, philosophy, arithmetic, rhetoric and other. Kiev-Mohyla academy existed for 150 years and was closed by Catherine II in the end of 18 century. The academy has been revived in 1992 and is still working, although educational conditions and syllabus are absolutely different now.
The number of outstanding and interesting sights in Podol also includes the monument to Grigory Skovoroda, fountain Samson, Church of Virgin Pirogoshcha, St. Flor operating female monastery, Pritisko-Nikolskaya church. Constructed in the end of 17 century, the church was never destroyed. So-called Peter I small house is also located in this district. Actually, it is the house of Kiev Vogt – the head of city council, a mayor post now. In 1706 Kiev Vogt received Peter I and the house is called in his honor since then. We can drive from European square along Parkovaya road by Kreshchaty park, Mariinsky palace and further across Pechersky district. Once there was a mountain at the place of Parkovaya road. In 1911 the mountain was shoveled away, Parkovaya avenue and Central Park, terraced towards Dnieper, were laid out. The park stretches for10 km – from Podol to bridge Paton. Askold’s grave can be seen underneath to the left. According to the legend, in 9 century, not far from here on Dnieper bank, prince Igor and his bodyguards killed Kiev rulers, princes Askold and Dir.
Further, moving to the right, we will see Lavra domes and Mother-land – the monument, set up in Second World War museum. The monument was opened in 1981. Total height of the pedestal and figure is 102 m. Those who desire can walk up stairs to the observation deck, opened on the top of the monument, and admire the breathtaking view. But it is in future, and now, on the left side under the hill, where we can see the large entertaining centre, the monument to Leonid Bykov is situated. The actor is represented as the fighter pilot from the film "Only old men go into battle". Having passed Glory Park, we turn to the left, to Ivan Mazepa street. To the left we can see the monument put up in memory of famine victims, perished in 30th years. Now we are going to Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, Kiev cultural and historical reserve and ancient spiritual stronghold of Kiev, Ukraine and Russia inhabitants. Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra needs the separate excursion, because this monastery is large and very old. Speaking in a few words, we can mention that Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra began its history from the cave monastery in the middle of 11 century. Now, in the Upper Lavra there are the cultural preserve and operating churches, and in territory of the Lower Lavra there are the monastery and caves, where Lavra saints were buried.
Lower there is the Great Patriotic War museum. Walking along Mazepa street, then along International Friendship boulevard and Kikvidze street, we are coming to Pechersky Botanical garden (named after Grishko). The botanical garden is extremely beautiful in early may, when various kinds of magnolias are blossoming and treelike peonies are opening. Huge number of visitors comes here to admire 150 kinds of lilac which also blossom in May. In Pechersky Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra one can see lots and lots of roses, exotic tropical plants and simply have a good time in the open air. The magnificent view of Vydubitsky operating mens monastery opens from the slopes of Pechersky Botanical garden. If you are still vigorous and enthusiastic enough, you can come down the steep slope and look round the monastery territory. Pay your attention to the fact that Museum of Western and Oriental Art founders Varvara and Bogdan Khanenko were buried in its territory.
Then we can drive along Lesia Ukrainka boulevard to Kiev center and see House with Chimeras and Besarabsky market or take a trolleybus to Podol. If you want to know Kiev better and enjoy this acquaintance, you should spend several days for the sightseeing. We haven’t seen a lot of interesting Kiev places and sights yet. Besides ancient cathedrals, culture and architecture monuments, Kiev has quite modern sights, one of which is Kiev zoo of more than 100 years age. Kiev zoon guests will see a lot of different animals from tropical countries and the Arctic. The zoo territory is well-planned and is buried in verdure. Our city sightseeing tour tells about Kiev most interesting and known sights. But if you have taken a special interest in something particular, you can know more about it at our site or see it by yourself during your trip to Kiev.
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